Oh Se-hoon "Immediate Introduction of 'One-Strike Out' Policy for Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence"

"Former Mayor Incident, Apology from Current Seoul Mayor"... Criticism of Seoul City's Inadequate Response
Operation of 'Dedicated Special Task Force' Composed Only of External Experts... Hotline Opened for Reporting Sexual Misconduct Cases

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon is attending the Cabinet meeting held at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 20th. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon apologized for the sexual harassment and sexual violence incidents that occurred during the tenure of the late former Mayor Park Won-soon and announced that he would immediately introduce a 'one-strike-out policy.'

On the 20th, Mayor Oh held an online briefing at Seoul City Hall and said, "As the current mayor representing Seoul Metropolitan Government, I sincerely apologize for the sexual harassment and sexual violence incidents that occurred during the previous mayor's term," adding, "I also extend my deepest condolences to the victims and their families who have endured an indescribably difficult time for over a year."

He also emphasized that Seoul City's response had been insufficient. Mayor Oh stated, "Seoul City's response was very lacking, not only in immediate and proper action at the time of occurrence but also in preventing secondary harm to the victims," and stressed, "To make matters worse, the funeral of the former mayor was held by the head of Seoul City, and the victims must have felt despair facing another overwhelming force while seeing the memorial altar set up at Seoul Plaza."

Mayor Oh mentioned that he had already met with the victims to discuss their return to work and that the process was underway, while announcing the immediate introduction of the 'one-strike-out policy.'

He said, "Sexual harassment cases have not yet been eradicated within Seoul City Hall," and declared, "I hereby announce the immediate introduction of the one-strike-out policy and promise that there will be no tolerance whatsoever if secondary harm occurs to sexual harassment and sexual violence victims."

Additionally, he added plans to elevate the 'Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence Review Committee,' recommended by the National Human Rights Commission, to a 'dedicated special organization' composed of external experts.

Mayor Oh said, "Following the dedicated special organization, we will open a hotline for reporting sexual misconduct cases," and added, "Regarding sexual harassment and sexual violence education, we will introduce a 100% completion obligation system for all members not only at Seoul City Hall headquarters but also at headquarters, business offices, public corporations, public institutions, and affiliated organizations."